HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4 -HRC Staff Report- Goal SettingMeeting Date: October 5, 2016
Item Number: 4
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HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: 2017-19 Human Relations Commission Goal Setting for the Financial Plan Process
FROM: Jenny Wiseman, Acting Housing Programs Manager
Phone Number: 781-7010; e-mail: jwiseman@slocity.org
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION
Review and evaluate status of 2015-2017 Human Relations Commission goals, take public testimony,
and identify Commission goals and work program items for the 2017-2019 Financial Plan
DISCUSSION
Situation
Every two years the City adopts a budget and financial plan. To prepare for the budget process, all City
departments and advisory bodies are asked to identify their goals and major work programs for the
next two years. The City Council then uses this information, along with public comment and other
input to set community priorities and allocate resources to accomplish the most important City goals.
Advisory body members are involved in the goal setting process to provide important input as
representatives of the community, with special expertise and experience working locally within their
specific area of representation. Below are some key points to consider as the City embarks on the goal -
setting process:
1. The Council is seeking advisory body input focused on the purview of the advisory body,
but is also interested in input on other issues important to the community.
2. Advisory body input is highly valued by the Council and the staff.
3. Goals can include completing projects from a previous work program.
4. Identifying priorities implies recommending fewer rather than more goals to the Council.
The HRC should recommend only those activities that can reasonably be accomplished in
Outcome
This is a public process and citizens are encouraged to contribute. Tonight’s meeting will result in two
items: 1) a list of HRC goals and implementation programs; and 2) a letter from the HRC Chair to the
City Council outlining recommended goals and programs for 2017-2019 and if necessary, requesting
resources for specific activities (staff will prepare the letter for the Chair’s signature).
The Process
At the meeting, staff will provide a brief presentation introducing the budget process, advisory body
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role, and status of previous recommended goals. The City last revised its goals and work program in
October 2014, in preparation for the 2015-2017 Financial Plan/Budget. Staff, advisory bodies, and
Council members are now preparing for the next Financial Plan cycle: 2017-2019. During past goal-
setting sessions, the HRC has generally followed the steps outlined below.
Goal Setting Steps:
1. Review and understand the goal-setting and Financial Plan/Budget process.
2. Evaluate previous goals and work programs.
3. Determine which goals or programs have not been completed and should be carried forward.
4. Identify new goals or programs for possible inclusion in the work program.
5. Prioritize the goals and programs.
6. Identify activities which may require additional resources to accomplish. This may include
references to possible community partnerships or outside funding sources.
The Commission will establish goals for the next two years and identify three to five key tasks or
programs it intends to complete in the period. The Commission should discuss how these goals and
activities relate to important Council goals and at the same time, consider the fiscal context for the
goal-setting process, including resources needed to accomplish the task.
During the past goal-setting session for the 2015-17 Financial Plan, the Commission recommended the
following projects to Council:
Human Relations Commission Advisory Body Goal Input to Council
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) makes recommendations to the City Council and staff on
how to best address social concerns and human needs in San Luis Obispo. The HRC serves as a
conduit for input from community members and social service organizations and has the opportunity to
encourage cooperation and collaboration between nonprofit agencies and city departments.
Why:
A community’s moral value is determined by how it treats its most vulnerable members. Therefore, the
HRC recommends to the Council that the support of basic human needs be established as a major city
goal for 2015-17.
What:
Although there are many worthwhile needs such as senior services, support for youth at risk and
others, given the current fiscal constraints we encourage the city to focus on homeless prevention,
transitional housing and supportive services, including hunger prevention.
1. Homeless Prevention and Transition Plan
Continue to support a long-term, comprehensive, proactive, sustainable program that
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addresses homelessness and focuses on transitioning children, families and individuals out of
homelessness.
How:
1. Continue to work with the County and other local municipalities in implementing the
San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.
2. Support the development of a comprehensive homeless services facility that includes the
implementation of a Good Neighbor Plan and requires case management enrollment.
3. Balance needs of the homeless population and neighborhood wellness e.g. expanded
safe parking program, transitional programs, meals, etc.
4. Explore ways to increase the affordable and transitional housing inventory using
creative financing, master leasing, and purchase programs.
5. Increase the Grants in Aid budget and General Fund support.
What’s Next?
Advisory body goals are due by November 7, 2016. All advisory bodies will receive a consolidated
listing of all recommended advisory body goals by November 21, 2016. This provides an opportunity
to review what other advisory bodies see as high community priorities. It is also an opportunity to
revise goals accordingly if the Commission so chooses. Final changes are due by December 13, 2016.
The Council will receive the final report with all advisory body recommendations before they begin
the goal-setting process in January 2017.